Montco Strip Club Shooting Leads To Car Chase

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HORSHAM, Pa. (CBS) – Two victims are in the hospital and one man is in custody following a shootout at a Montgomery County strip club that led police on a high-speed chase that ended in Bucks County.

The scenario began outside of the Double Visions Strip Club in the 1100 block of Easton Road in Horsham, Montgomery County around 6:30 p.m. where witnesses say a man walked in and opened fire:

“I didn’t see the first shot, I saw the second shot,” eyewitness Jerrett Boir told CBS3 Eyewitness news.

Boir said he had to jump in front of a dancer to protect her. He says what was most surprising was the gunman’s demeanor:

“I was shocked, the guy was so calm.”

Boir says the gunman, identified as 55-year-old Joseph Thiers, shot two people — Phil Catagnus, III and Jason Catagnus. The victims were taken to Abington Hospital for treatment.

When police arrived, Thiers took off in his pickup truck. Officers chased the man and arrested him in the 2900 block of Warwick Road in Warminster, Bucks County. Thiers fired at least one gunshot at police before his capture.

While police say a motive is unclear at this point, Boir believes it was payback:

“He supposedly came in on Tuesday and the management put him out. I guess he came back for revenge.”

There’s no word yet on the condition of the victims, but police say neither Thiers or the officers involved were injured.

Thiers was arraigned and bail has been set at $2.5 million.

The investigation is ongoing and any witnesses are asked to call the Horsham Township Police Department at 215-643-8284.